This time it’s the entry level Desire C phone, this one is a Virgin model.
Let’s start off with the phone’s credentials:
HTC Desire C Specifications
- 600MHz Snapdragon S1
- 512MB RAM
- 3.5″ @ 480×320
- 4GB Storage + microSD
- 5MP, no flash or front
- ICS 4.0.3
So, that’s the meat and potatoes of it… and it doesn’t sound all that impressive. But keep in mind – this is a sub $200 phone. For many, MANY folk that’s a huge deciding factor. I can’t tell you how many new Android ‘converts’ I’ve seen because “hey, this was free”.
And that’s how I went into this review. I didn’t want to discount the small size or the small processor. It wasn’t going to try to go head-to-head with the One series. Just enjoy the phone as it is.
On the outside
Did I mention it’s small. Like, it fits in the palm of my hand, and the backing is that nice rubberized plastic that keeps it from being too slippery (but can sometimes catch lint in your pocket). Very nice rounded edges so that it really fits the hand for quick use. Power button is on the top (as well as the headphone jack) and the volume on the right. Left is the microUSB port.
love how they do this comparison on the Virgin page
On the back we see that it’s got Beats built into it (but I have yet to hear a real difference from a standard DSP). Also, there’s the loud speaker at the top (normally we see them at the bottom of the phone) and the camera. You’ll notice the camera has no flash. Not sure if I miss it or not. But I’ll discuss the camera later on.
What separates this from the One series is that you can remove the back, and doing so is very easy. It’s got a cool red interior and you can see the battery and microSD port.
Overall, it’s very nice. The volume handles well from the port and ear piece, it picks up well from the mic and the phone doesn’t feel too small. It feels the ‘right size’ for your hand. I think my StarTAC from way back was larger, but nowhere near as nice feeling in the hand.
On the inside (software)
Above I mentioned that it’s 4.0.3, so nothing new that I should cover on that stance that we haven’t already seen on the One X/S. One difference I will say is that hitting the task switcher button now brings up the standard app ’tiles’ look versus Sense’s normal ‘card’ look.
Without a One phone to see what software we’re missing to verify, I can’t see if there’s any apps missing. What is missing is a lot of the camera bonus you got with the One. Nowhere near the same features. I couldn’t even find out how to get it to focus. You have the standard stuff to take a photo, and it should be enough for most folk. Besides you can always download an HDR camera app.
Speaking of downloading apps. The 4GB space feels a little cramped, so you better get an SD card if you want space for photos and music (especially as lists in my phone that it only has 1GB). It wouldn’t even let me save screen captures (something about the drive being in use), probably needed the card in for sure.
With such lower specs you’d probably expect this thing to just crawl. You’d be wrong for what it is, it handles quite well. My wife’s old Acer Liquid E isn’t nearly as smooth as this is. Don’t discount this phone on the specs alone. And I was surprised by how many items were still in the ‘task switch’ list.
Overall
Not a bad little entry phone.
Some issues – a bit of yellowing on the edges of the screen. Camera’s a little weak.
But for $150 outright… it’s a great phone to start somebody on Android with if they’re not really a techy, or if you needed a quick replacement if it broke (and you were on Virgin).
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